State Senator Jo Comerford

With the federal government committing to funding only half of this month’s SNAP benefits, states across the country, including in the Northeast, are continuing to pick a path forward with less federal food assistance funding now on the table. Massachusetts is home to at least a million people who rely on the program, with many in the state’s Gateway cities. However, as Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester State Senator Jo Comerford tells WAMC, food insecurity is just as present in one of the state’s most rural corners.

After a demand from Western Massachusetts lawmakers for regional equity in the commonwealth’s judicial system, the governor has nominated two candidates from the region to the Superior Court.

Lawmakers and officials from northwestern Massachusetts are pushing for east-west rail in their neck of the woods. Rallies held this week were in tandem with stakeholders calling on the Healey administration to restart Northern Tier Passenger Rail.

Following debate among lawmakers, a budget for fiscal year 2025 has been sent to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. The spending plan includes free community college and legalized online lottery sales.

Key Democrats in Massachusetts are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris — from staunch supporters of President Biden to those who were calling on him to bow out of the race.

The state Housing and Economic Development Secretary was in Northampton, Massachusetts Monday, getting a tour of the city as the local economy prepares for both a major departure and the return of a familiar venue.

Massachusetts State Senator Joanne Comerford has kicked off a bid for a fourth term.

Feds declare agricultural disaster in seven Massachusetts counties

An excise would be charged to water users in eastern Massachusetts.

Says she is "proud of this budget"